Rabbits are probably the animal least vulnerable to extinction. Their legendary reproductive habits explain their success. A female reaches sexual maturity at 3.5 to 9 months, depending on the breed. After that, she can breed several times a year, producing an average of six kittens. Sadly, up to 90% perish during the first year.
The figures make a compelling case for spaying or neutering a rabbit. While many pets don’t get regular veterinary care, this procedure requires an exam and the surgery. However, it is invasive and not cheap, but you may find the benefits outweigh the cons. The cost of this procedure depends on the state where it is performed so you can expect to pay as little as $138 or as much as $1,500.
Read on to find out more details.
The Importance of Spaying or Neutering a Rabbit
If you adopt a rabbit, the chances are likely that it has already been fixed. Part of the fee you pay covers this cost. Many veterinarians reduce the price rescue organizations and animal shelters pay for it, with them passing on the savings to you. Desexing an animal is a wise choice if you don’t plan to breed or show your pet.
Unwanted rabbits often end up abandoned, and you can guess the unfortunate outcome. The number of offspring a single female can have is staggering and reason enough to consider the procedure. Lagomorphs are typically social animals. However, intact males can become aggressive and territorial during mating season. You may find your pet is more docile after it’s neutered.
The procedure can reduce the incidence of cancers involving the reproductive organs in females. Therefore, it can give your bunny a better quality of life and a longer lifespan. Behavioral improvements are the main reason to consider it for a male.
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
How Much Does Spaying or Neutering Cost?
Spaying or neutering are major surgeries in rabbits, although it’s considerably less invasive in males versus females. A veterinarian may remove only the ovaries in a young doe. They may also remove part of the vagina and the uterine horns in older animals to reduce their cancer risk. Only the testes are extracted in bucks.
A veterinarian will undoubtedly want to do an exam and run blood work before doing the surgery. It’s precautionary. Remember that the procedure is stressful, particularly with an animal as susceptible to its effects as a rabbit.2 A healthy bunny is more likely to recover from the operation without complications.
Spaying or neutering includes aesthesia and supportive care during the procedure. Your vet may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics for your pet to help its recovery. If they used non-dissolvable stitches, you’ll have to bring your bunny back to the clinic to get them removed. You’ll find spaying or neutering in rabbits is comparable to cats and dogs. It’s also safer and less costly for young animals.
Spaying/Neutering Costs by Region/City
Missouri
$250 to $500
Boise, ID
$138
Los Angeles, CA
$730
Newberry, FL
$1,500
Pittsburgh, PA
$869
Tucson, AZ
$783
White Plains, NY
$1,400
Spaying or neutering a pet offers an excellent opportunity to do other procedures, such as microchipping. The surgery is more expensive in older animals because of the greater risk of complications. Also, they begin to outweigh the benefits of having it done.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
We discussed the preliminary work a vet will often do before the surgery. We recommend getting done what your vet suggests. Remember that they have the animal’s best interests at heart. Follow-up medications or antibiotics typically aren’t very expensive. You can plan on less than $50. Another factor affecting your cost is the availability of a vet able to do the procedure.
Small animal vets are more common in urban areas or college towns with universities offering veterinary medicine certifications. The latter may offer a way to save some money by providing supervised students with opportunities to perform medical procedures. We also suggest contacting your local animal shelter for low-cost options.
Image Credit: Elnur, Shutterstock
When Should I Spay or Neuter My Rabbit?
Getting your rabbit spayed or neutered when it is sexually mature but less than 1 year old is ideal. The risk of complications and added costs is at its lowest during this time. It’s worth noting that smaller breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf, reach this physical milestone sooner than large animals, like the Giant Flemish.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying or Neutering?
As we’ve discussed, Nationwide was the one company we found that covered exotic pets like rabbits. However, a standard major medical plan does not cover spaying or neutering. That’s not unusual even for coverage for cats and dogs. Most insurers require either a wellness plan or an optional rider to cover the procedure.
Conclusion
Spaying or neutering is a smart thing to do if you own a rabbit that you don’t intend to breed. You’ll have a better pet with a lower risk of cancer of the reproductive organs. The surgery has risks like any medical procedure. We suggest discussing the matter with your vet. You’ll likely find it’s the best choice for your rabbit.
